Lateral Police Officer

Police Officer

Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities.

Individuals in this classification perform a variety of specialized work in police department operations, carrying out duties in conformance with federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances. Incumbent works on rotating shifts performing security patrols, traffic control, investigation and first aid at accidents, detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct. Works an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action being expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Patrol and Response

• Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations' and to otherwise serve and protect. Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.
• Conducts patrol activities including directing traffic, investigation of reported or observed violations of law, and conducting patrol activities.
• Responds to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action.

Investigation and Interrogation

• Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed within the City limits. Seeks out and questions victims, witnesses and suspects. Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.
• Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the City limits, obtaining evidence and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, and related activities.
• Interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene.

Reporting and Record Keeping

• Prepares a variety of manual and electronic reports and records.

Communication and Coordination

• Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provide general information about Department activities.
• Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, Court Administrator, and Municipal Prosecutor's Office regarding cases, policies and procedures, as needed and assigned.
• Undertakes community oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, traffic safety, etc.

Special Assignments

• May be assigned specialized duties such as detective, armor, and field training officer.

Other Duties

• Performs other administrative or technical duties as needed and assigned.

General Entry Level Requirements

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment.
• No record of felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories.
• Must be able to read and write the English language.
• Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.

Lateral Requirements

• Must be able to meet all Entry Level requirements listed above.
• Must meet required physical, psychological, and medical standards and the Department's physical agility test.
• Must have a minimum of twelve (12) months experience as a full-time commissioned officer in a civilian governmental jurisdiction with no break of service of more than twenty four (24) months at the time of application.
• Successful completion of Washington Criminal Justice Training Center Academy or Equivalency Test. Officers outside of Washington State must successfully complete Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Equivalent Academy and Examination within one year of appointment.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• A two-year community college degree or vocational school training in police sciences, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the incumbent with the necessary qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.

Skills & Ability to:

• Support, promote, and model the City's mission, vision, and core values in all aspects of job performance.
• Maintain good physical condition in order to perform essential job functions.
• Proficiently operate personal computer and relevant software.
• Learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations.
• Learn the City's geography.
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluation situations and in making decisions.
• Communicate in a clear, concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Implement standard, established procedures and regulations and to accurately follow verbal and written instructions.
• Effectively respond to the public both in person and through the telephone and electronic media in a manner conducive to positive customer relations.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize work to complete required tasks and meet deadlines.
• Deal effectively with sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Handle stressful situations, which may involve dealing with angry or upset individuals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, outside entities, and the general public.
• Represent the City in a positive and professional manner.

• Must have a valid Washington driver's license without record of suspension or revocation in any State (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment).
• Must pass appropriate background checks including polygraph.
• Ability to meet Department's physical standards and pass medical exam.
• This position is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment drug testing, including testing for cannabis.
• Successful completion of the Washington Criminal Justice Training Center Academy or Equivalency Test must be accomplished within one (1) year after employment.
• Maintain required certifications such as 1st Aid, CPR, BAC, Firearms, Taser (if applicable}, and any other certifications which may be required.

Our Vision: Cultivating Exceptional Service for Our Extraordinary Community. The City of Lynden is an equal opportunity employer.